A practical three-fund mix that balances income today with growth
potential tomorrow. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
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[Morning Watchlist]
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THREE HIGH-YIELDING FUNDS FOR 2026
If you’re thinking about retirement, nearing retirement, or already
in it, the investing conversation eventually becomes less about “how
fast can I grow this?” and more about “how reliably can this pay
me?”
That’s why income-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remain one of
the most practical tools in a long-term portfolio. They can deliver
diversification, lower single-stock risk, and—depending on the
structure—steady cash distributions that help smooth out market
volatility.
That said, not all “high yield” is created equal. Some funds chase
the highest payouts and end up holding lower-quality businesses.
Others rely on options strategies that can boost income but cap upside
during sharp rallies. The key is building an income plan that balances
three objectives:
*
CASH FLOW YOU CAN USE
*
QUALITY EXPOSURE YOU CAN HOLD THROUGH DRAWDOWNS
*
A REASONABLE PATH FOR LONG-TERM GROWTH TO KEEP UP WITH INFLATION
Below are three income-oriented funds that can work together—each
playing a different role in an income portfolio.
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COMPANY: JPMORGAN NASDAQ EQUITY PREMIUM INCOME ETF (SYM: JEPQ)
HIGH MONTHLY INCOME WITH A GROWTH TILT
One of the most compelling income ETFs in the market is the JPMORGAN
NASDAQ EQUITY PREMIUM INCOME ETF (SYM: JEPQ)—particularly for
investors who want meaningful cash flow without abandoning large-cap
growth entirely.
JEPQ is designed to generate income through a combination of (1)
holding a portfolio of large-cap growth stocks and (2) collecting
option premium, with the stated goal of delivering a MONTHLY INCOME
STREAM from “option premiums and stock dividends.”
As of DECEMBER 31, 2025, JEPQ’s fact sheet listed:
*
GROSS AND NET EXPENSES: 0.35%
*
VALUE OF INVESTMENTS: $32.49B
*
30-DAY SEC YIELD: 11.58%
*
12-MONTH ROLLING DIVIDEND YIELD: 11.17%
That yield profile is exactly why income-focused investors pay
attention. However, it’s important to understand _why_ it can be so
high: an options-based income strategy can generate substantial
premium in volatile markets—but DISTRIBUTIONS CAN FLUCTUATE, and
upside participation can be reduced during powerful bull runs.
WHY INVESTORS LIKE JEPQ
*
MONTHLY INCOME can be easier to plan around than quarterly
distributions (especially for retirees managing recurring bills).
*
LARGE-CAP GROWTH EXPOSURE means you’re not solely depending on
utilities, REITs, or high-yield financials for cash flow.
*
The fund’s profile is explicitly designed to capture a
“significant portion” of Nasdaq-100-type returns WITH LESS
VOLATILITY.
WHAT TO WATCH
*
CAPPED UPSIDE RISK: selling calls can limit gains if the Nasdaq
surges.
*
DISTRIBUTION VARIABILITY: the payout may change as option premiums and
market conditions change.
*
TAX CONSIDERATIONS: option-related income and distribution character
can be complex (and not always “qualified dividend” income). If
this is held in a taxable account, it’s worth reviewing your tax
situation carefully.
Bottom line: JEPQ can be a strong “INCOME ENGINE” SLEEVE for
2026—particularly for investors comfortable trading some upside for
consistent cash generation.
-------------------------
_Equiscreen_
VWAV IS EMERGING AS A DEFENSE-AI DISRUPTOR
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VISIONWAVE HOLDINGS (NASDAQ: VWAV) is carving out a differentiated
position in the defense-technology landscape by combining AI-driven
sensing, RF imaging, and autonomous decision-making into a single,
edge-ready platform.
Unlike cloud-dependent AI models, VWAV’S EVOLVED
INTELLIGENCE™ architecture is designed for real-time operation in
contested environments, enabling autonomous drones, ground vehicles,
and radar systems to detect, classify, and respond without constant
human oversight.
THIS CAPABILITY HAS ALREADY BEEN VALIDATED THROUGH LIVE-FIRE TESTS,
TIER-1 DEFENSE PILOTS, AND INTERNATIONAL EVALUATIONS—PLACING
VISIONWAVE AHEAD OF MANY EARLY-STAGE DEFENSE STARTUPS STILL CONFINED
TO DEMONSTRATIONS.
DISCOVER WHY VWAV IS POSITIONING ITSELF TO BECOME A KEY PLAYER IN THE
NEXT GENERATION OF AUTONOMOUS DEFENSE AND SECURITY TECHNOLOGY
[[link removed]]
-------------------------
COMPANY: VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL HIGH DIVIDEND YIELD ETF (SYM: VYMI)
GLOBAL INCOME DIVERSIFICATION AT LOW COST
If you’re relying primarily on U.S. stocks for retirement income,
adding INTERNATIONAL DIVIDEND EXPOSURE can reduce concentration risk.
That’s where VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL HIGH DIVIDEND YIELD ETF (VYMI)
comes in.
VYMI is built to track an international high-dividend benchmark and,
as of SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, the fund reported:
*
EXPENSE RATIO: 0.17%
*
DIVIDEND SCHEDULE: QUARTERLY
*
NUMBER OF STOCKS: 1,531
*
ETF TOTAL NET ASSETS: $12,730 MILLION
That “1,500+ holdings” point matters. It means your income stream
is spread across a wide base of international companies—helpful when
any single region or sector faces turbulence.
VYMI’s TOP HOLDINGS as of the same reporting set included global
blue chips like HSBC, ROCHE, NOVARTIS, NESTLÉ, SHELL, ROYAL BANK OF
CANADA, AND TOYOTA.
WHY INVESTORS LIKE VYMI
*
GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSIFICATION: reduces dependence on the U.S. economic
cycle.
*
BREADTH: 1,500+ holdings can reduce single-stock dividend risk.
*
LOW COST: 0.17% is efficient for international equity exposure.
DIVIDEND EXPECTATIONS
VYMI’s yield will move around with global dividend cycles and
currency effects. Recently cited trailing yield figures are around the
mid-3% range, and the fund has paid regular quarterly distributions
(for example, a $0.9385 distribution with a DEC. 23, 2025 payment
date, following a $0.7001 distribution paid SEP. 23, 2025).
WHAT TO WATCH
*
CURRENCY AND COUNTRY RISK: foreign exchange moves can affect
U.S.-dollar returns.
*
WITHHOLDING TAXES: some international dividends may be withheld at the
source (this varies by country and account type).
*
SECTOR TILTS: international high-dividend indexes can lean more
heavily into sectors like financials.
Bottom line: VYMI can be a reliable QUARTERLY INCOME DIVERSIFIER—an
effective complement to U.S.-centric dividend strategies.
-------------------------
AlphaShark
WHAT BIG MONEY DOES BEFORE THE MARKET MOVES
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-------------------------
COMPANY: VANGUARD DIVIDEND APPRECIATION ETF (SYM: VIG)
DIVIDEND GROWTH TO PROTECT PURCHASING POWER
High yield can be attractive, but retirees also face a quieter threat:
INFLATION. Even modest inflation compounds over time, which is why
DIVIDEND GROWTH is often just as important as dividend yield.
That’s where VANGUARD DIVIDEND APPRECIATION ETF (SYM: VIG) stands
out. VIG focuses on companies with a record of consistently increasing
dividends and combines that approach with an exceptionally low fee
structure.
From Vanguard’s summary prospectus (dated MAY 29, 2025), VIG’s
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES ARE 0.05%.
VIG’s fact sheet also lists:
*
DIVIDEND SCHEDULE: QUARTERLY
*
FUND TOTAL NET ASSETS: $115,149 MILLION (as of Sep. 30, 2025)
*
NUMBER OF STOCKS: 337
It also holds many household names—companies that tend to have
durable cash flows and the capacity to raise dividends across cycles.
Top holdings listed include BROADCOM, MICROSOFT, JPMORGAN CHASE,
APPLE, ELI LILLY, VISA, EXXON MOBIL, MASTERCARD, ORACLE, AND WALMART.
WHY INVESTORS LIKE VIG
*
DIVIDEND GROWTH FOCUS: potentially supports rising income over time.
*
QUALITY TILT: dividend growers often have stronger balance sheets and
steadier profitability.
*
ULTRA-LOW FEE: 0.05% helps preserve long-term compounding.
WHAT TO WATCH
*
LOWER STARTING YIELD: dividend growth typically means you’re not
getting the highest payout today.
*
GROWTH AND VALUATION SENSITIVITY: even dividend growers can decline if
the market reprices equities.
Bottom line: VIG can serve as the “CORE QUALITY” ANCHOR—a
long-duration holding designed to keep your income stream growing.
-------------------------
_De-Dollarize News_
DOLLAR RESET DETECTED: JANUARY 26 MAY FREEZE YOUR FREEDOM
[[link removed]]
The control grid is live.
Banks are replacing compliance staff with AI.
Refunds are frozen in limbo.
The Fed’s independence is cracking.
When systems tighten, access disappears first.
Blocked transactions.
Frozen accounts.
Denied withdrawals.
This is how digital control rolls out — quietly.
If you’re an American saver with $105k or more, this briefing was
written for you.
GET THE FREE BRIEFING WHILE YOU STILL CAN
[[link removed]]
-------------------------
_Are there any other income-focused funds you swear by? What other
sectors of the market are you currently interested in? Hit "reply" to
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We are issuing this disclosure in compliance with Section 17(b) of the
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received or expected to be received in cash or in kind in connection
with the purchase or sale of any security.
We would like to inform you that we have received or expect to receive
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We encourage you to conduct your own due diligence and research before
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This disclosure is made as of 1/20/2026.
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